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Judy Wheeler, Town Centre Bookstore and President of the PDA, spoke of the Association’s goal of a vibrant Downtown and stated that Redcoats is an important business. She indicated that people want to be entertained and that it would be great to keep Pleasanton dollars in Pleasanton. He supported approval of the application. Ann Kelly, 16-year resident of Pleasanton and Chaplain at St. Andrew’s Society, stated that Ms. Kennard has been a very generous and responsible business owner and has allowed fundraisers at Redcoats. She spoke of a positive experience at Redcoats and related how Ms. Kennard maintains the restaurant’s capacity, not allowing them to come into the restaurant when it has reached its full capacity. She stated that she could not comprehend why people would choose to move Downtown if noise bothers them, especially since the Downtown comes with a certain amount of disruption in life, including the train, noise, and traffic.She noted that her 24-year-old son goes to Redcoats and that she is happy with the security it provides, including taxi service so there is no excuse for dui. She agreed that some smokers can be irresponsible but noted that she has sat in the patio area and did not smell smoke. Megan Murphy, bartender at Redcoats, stated that she is a Pleasanton resident and is TIPS certified. She noted that Pleasanton can be a boring and uneventful town and that Redcoats provides a good alternative to Popi Lounge and Sunshine Saloon. She indicated that she is very happy working at the pub and that the security company does a great job. She noted that Ms. Kennard takes pride in the building and that they have a lot of great events. She added that Ms. Kennard treats her employees with respect and does not tolerate harassment. She stated that Ms. Kennard closes the pub early during the week if people do not come in, and requested the Commission to approve the application. Mark Davison stated that a nun once taught him that there is always one person who could wreck it for everyone else and asked the Commission not to allow this to happen to a fine establishment. He stated that Pleasanton is a beautiful city in the Bay Area and that he loves coming to Pleasanton. He asked the City to keep the town as it is with its vibrant establishments vibrant. Mari Kennard thanked those who spoke on her behalf and thanked the Commission. Commissioner Pentin noted that the security persons had indicated that if they were brought back for additional nights, they would be willing to increase patrols. He asked Ms. Kennard if she would put this in writing. Ms. Kennard replied that this could be done and that she would agree to have them patrol every 15 minutes. Commissioner Pentin voiced concern about how the smoking problem has grown over time, noting that it has grown from the first conditions of approval of odors to the smoking area and now to establishing the smoking area. He indicated that he felt it would be a good neighbor policy to work establishing the smoking area. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 18, 2009 Page 10 of 25